The 180 Degree Excavator (Digger) course provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills required to safely operate a 180 degree excavator in accordance with current industry best practice and relevant health and safety legislation.

Combining classroom-based learning with extensive practical training, delegates will develop the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to carry out pre-use inspections, operate the machine safely, undertake excavation tasks, use attachments where appropriate, and complete work efficiently whilst minimising risks to themselves and others.

Training is delivered in line with the UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Course Standard, ensuring a structured, competence-based approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application in realistic working conditions. As all training is delivered on-site at the customer's premises, delegates develop their skills using equipment and working environments that reflect their day-to-day operations wherever possible.

Who Should Attend?

• Individuals with little or no previous experience operating a 180 degree excavator.
• Existing operators wishing to refresh or formalise their skills.
• Employees required to operate a 180 degree excavator as part of their work.
• Supervisors or employers wishing to improve operator competence and workplace safety.

What You Will Learn

• Relevant health and safety legislation and operator responsibilities.
• Hazard identification and safe systems of work.
• Machine components, controls and operating principles.
• Pre-use inspections and defect reporting.
• Safe start-up, operation and shutdown procedures.
• Excavating, trenching and backfilling techniques.
• Safe loading, lifting and material handling where appropriate.
• Working on gradients and uneven ground.
• Environmental considerations and safe working practices.
• Stability, machine limitations and safe working practices.
• Routine maintenance and daily operator checks.

Practical Training

• Carrying out pre-use inspections.
• Familiarisation with machine controls, instruments and operating functions.
• Safe machine manoeuvring.
• Excavation and backfilling exercises.
• Bucket control and material handling.
• Working accurately within confined areas.
• Parking, securing and shutting down the machine safely.

Assessment

Delegates are assessed throughout the course by practical observation and instructor questioning to confirm their knowledge, understanding and practical competence. Assessment is conducted against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria specified within the relevant UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Course Standard.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the course, delegates will receive a UK Rural Skills (UKRS) Accredited Certificate, demonstrating that they have successfully achieved the learning outcomes and assessment criteria specified within the relevant UKRS Course Standard.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for novice operators. Delegates should be physically capable of operating plant machinery safely and possess a sufficient understanding of spoken and written English to fully participate in training and assessment.

Experienced operator and refresher courses are available for those able to demonstrate previous operating experience.

Course Duration

Course duration will vary depending on delegates' previous experience, the number of delegates attending and the level of competence to be achieved. Training is tailored to individual requirements and may be delivered for novice operators, experienced operators or as refresher training.